Stevens on Intro 910A repealing security grill mandate

Councilmember Stevens, followed by Gutierrez.

Good afternoon.

Today I'm proud to

I'm honored to have the support of the majority of my colleagues in passing of 910A.

As a member of council, it's our responsibility to protect the small businesses that are the backbone of New York City's economy.

They create jobs, provide essential services, and help define the characters of our neighborhoods.

When the government creates policies that are unintentionally placed, unnecessary burdens on those businesses, it is also our responsibility to correct them.

That is exactly what we are doing today.

The implementation of Law 75 of 2009 was expected to replace an unnecessary financial burden on business owners across the city by requiring many of them to replace security grills

that were already safe, secure, or fully functional.

For some businesses, those replacements would have cost exceeded $10,000.

At this time, our small business continue to face rising rent costs, inflation increasing, operating costs, and government should not be adding unnecessary expenses that threaten their ability to succeed.

Intro 910A repels an outdated mandate that while continuing to allow businesses owners to maintain safe, secure storefronts.

More importantly, it demonstrates that this council is listening to the concerns of our small businesses, communities, and taking meaningful action to support them.

I want to thank my colleague, and special shout out to Shanel-Thomas-Henry, who chaired the hearing, my staff, the bids, all my colleagues who supported this legislation.

Your partnerships made today's vote possible.

To every small business across the five boroughs, this vote sends a clear message.

This council is committed to reducing unnecessary burdens, supporting economic opportunities, and ensuring that New York City remains a place where your business can grow and thrive.

Thank you.

Thank you, Councilmember.

Councilmember Gutierrez, followed by Caban.